SkyWarn & Warning Systems
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SkyWarn
Tornado Sirens
Basic Spotters Guide

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Register here for the 2010 Skywarn class

Skywarn spotter training sessions are held to train individuals on how to accurately observe such weather phenomena as wall clouds, funnel clouds, tornados, shelf clouds associated with squall lines, and clouds that resemble funnel clouds and tornadoes but really are not.

In addition, topics covered during Skywarn training are:
 

  • The role of the spotter, the NWS and emergency services

  • A recap of past significant weather events during 2009

  • The necessary atmospheric conditions for thunderstorm development

  • Tornado classification

  • Severe weather safety tips

  • Severe weather terms used in National Weather Service products

  • What to report to the National Weather Service

  • How to report information to the National Weather Service

Skywarn training presentations usually last around two hours,
with a scheduled break included.

Skywarn spotters are essential to the National Weather Service, law enforcement and fire officials, and emergency managers. Among other things, spotters:
 

  • Provide valuable information on the severity of thunderstorms

  • Allow downstream communities to understand the severity of thunderstorms moving towards them and

  • Allow the National Weather Service to gather information which helps verify the warnings it issues

Those who volunteer to be Skywarn spotters offer a valuable service. At a minimum, it is asked that Skywarn volunteers review procedures by attending a Skywarn spotter training sessions every two years

Spotter training is open to members of the general public , law enforcement, fire officials, and amateur radio operators, among others. We look forward to your participation in Skywarn!
 

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PUBLISHED: Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Be on the lookout

by SUSAN YOUNGER
staff reporter
The Lapeer County Press
http://www.countypress.com/stories/032807/loc_20070328001.shtml

Everyday citizens can help warn emergency management officials when tornadoes and other weather incidents arise.
Photo courtesy NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

Is that beautiful sky clouded with danger?
A Thursday class will train the public to detect life threatening weather conditions and help warn their community.

The 2007 Skywarn Class will be held 7 p.m. Thursday (March 29) at Lapeer East High School. The free training will teach individuals how to accurately spot weather phenomena such as wall clouds, funnel clouds, tornadoes and shelf clouds associated with squall lines.

Trained spotters often alert the National Weather Service in advance of their own equipment.

"Each person is issued a Skywarn card with a number," said Lapeer County Office of Emergency Management Director Mary Stikeleather. "When spotters see hazardous conditions, they contact the National Weather Service. General citizens are one of our greatest resources. They become the eyes and ears of the National Weather Service, law enforcement, fire and emergency personnel."

The class is taught by a National Weather Service meteorologist from the White Lake office. Topics covered include the role of the spotter, what and how to report information to the NWS and severe weather safety tips. Spotters will learn tornado classifications, necessary atmospheric conditions for thunderstorms, and how to distinguish real tornadoes and funnel clouds from look-a-likes.

Doug Donner, 40, of Almont, has been trained as a spotter for three years. He has time to judge weather conditions during his 40-mile, two county commute each way to work in Madison Heights.

"Since I've been trained as a spotter, I've reported hail, wind and heavy rain and ice conditions during the winter," said Donner, who is Lapeer County's Emergency Coordinator for amateur radio.

"The NWS requires you go for training every two years, but I try to go every year," Donner said. "There is so much to learn, and it's very interesting. They teach how a storm is formed, and what happens."

The Lapeer County Amateur Radio Association assisted Stikeleather this year with pre registration for the popular event. There are many open seats for drop-ins at the Lapeer East auditorium on 933 Saginaw Street. For information, call Stikeleather at (810) 667-0242.

Susan Younger may be reached at (810) 664-0811, Ext. 8122 or susan.younger@lapeergroup.com



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Warning Systems
Sirens throughout Lapeer County:

  • Attica Township

  • Almont Township

  • Arcadia Township

  • Burlington Township

  • Columbiaville

  • Deerfield Township

  • Dryden Township

  • Elba Township

  • Goodland Township

  • City of Lapeer

  • Hadley Township

  • Imlay City

  • Metamora Township

  • North Branch Township

  • Otter Lake

*The sirens are tested the 1st Saturday of the month at 1:00 p.m. April through October.

The test lasts approximately 3 minutes and has a solid blast tone. Other than for testing purposes, the sirens will only be activated for tornadoes. The test will be cancelled if threatening weather conditions exist at the time of the test. Also remember that the sirens are designed to warn people out-of-doors. There were not designed to penetrate buildings or wake you from sleep.


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